Below the Undercroft (Solo)
Below the Undercroft, Delve 3 - by Acolyte Rockmound Nov. 15 The laddies hud nae chance. By Berronar's hearth, the slithering beasties appeared ootae the darkness.
Despite losing Thamos (thief 1), just the day befaer tae fell magics, Dalieliquin (magic-user 1/fighter 1) was keen tae tek tae the croft again. Curse him and his pointy ears. But I couldnae allow them tae gae below withoot some protection. And knowing the dead haunt the croft, I knew I must gae as well.
Dal took up Thamos' map and a charcoal stick and we headed down again... me (fighter 1/cleric 1), Dal, Jeb (fighter 1) and Olbert (fighter 1). However, this time we anticipated that we would need some extra hands, so Young Oddy carried Dal's lantern for a silver and Big Arno came along tae carry any mare coin we may find.
We saw naen o' them big ants, but when we encountered a giant beetle wi' glowing eyes, well, I reckon we shouldae turned back then. But Dal hud a desire for them glowin' eyes and tek up his sword. The beast was quickly dispatched and the glands harvested. Dal was convinced he couldae used them in some spell or incantation. After they were plucked, I, meself, recognized them as something my kindred used tae light the mines. I reckoned that I couldae selt them for a few groats, but Dal wanted to keep them for his devilry.
Jeb and Dal put their shoulders intae the door on the West wall and it gave way tae a rush of moist air. The passage beyond was rough hewn and, after a ways, led tae a cavern. The dark, dank cave was large and the lantern light barely touched the far walls. By Thamos' map, twas clear we were near the magicked area where we found the chest full of silver coins. And, sure as any glittering lure on a fish hook, there sat the largest chest I have ever seen. It was huge. The greed was obvious and perhaps it overwhelmed their better senses for as they moved forward, a nest of squirming, slithering creatures were all about our feet and crawling up the legs. Each between 1 and 2 feet in length, like giant centipedes they were. So disgusted and caught off guard were we, that it tek a moment to free our weapons. A moment tae lang. Little Addy was the first tae succumb. For the bite o' these beasties was fatal. It slithered up his wee leg and sank 1 inch long fangs into his thigh. He managed to throw it off hisself, but it was tae late. Then Dal and Olbert were struggling as the critters slithered and squirmed between the joins of their armour. Dal, Olbert and Jeb managed tae stamp and stab a few. But less than a minute later, both Dal and Olbert were struggling tae breathe then foam erupted fae their mouths. I tried tae tend tae them as best I could with Arno's help, but there was nae saving them. Jeb, in a state of greed that Abbathor would appreciate, went directly tae the chest. The glittering lure did its job and a trip wire triggered the release of boulders from the cave ceiling. The lad tried to get his shield up in time, but the mass o' stones was tae great and his head was crushed beneath their weight.
Arno and I were keen to leave this evil place quickly but we couldnae carry our fallen from the croft and we couldnae, in all that is civilized, leave them tae these beasts tae devour. So we resolved tae place them in the huge chest. But that meant risking that it was trapped. I've naen o' Thamos' skills and I did my best tae ensure that the chest was safe tae open. Tae be extra careful, Arno would lift the lid just enough tae slip Dal's and Jeb's long blades intae the gap. So that together, and a few feet apart, we could lever the lid open. As we lifted the lid higher, we hud tae get closer and closer with tentative steps. But we finally opened the lid fully. It was dark and my dwarven vision couldnae see differences in temperature within. Arno fetched the lantern from Young Oddy. Thousands of electrum lined the huge chest. In order tae secure the bodies of the fallen, we felt it was best for us tae empty the chest. As we dug through the coins, the odd glint of platinum caught my eye. As best we could, we separated it from the electrum then set about the grim work o' loading the chest with Dal, Jeb, Olbert and wee Oddy. His poor mother will be devastated. We both resolved tae return the next day with a small troop tae help us recover the bodies and give them the appropriate rites back in toon.
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